English Reference
Phrasal verb

lead to

phrasal verb.
B1 Intermediate Oxford UK spelling lead to sth

phrasal verb.to cause something to happen or result in something.

phrasal verb.to cause an event or outcome; transitive, typically followed by a noun or clause indicating the resulting situation.


SIMPLE

The accident led to a lawsuit.

CONTEXTUAL

The new policy led to increased productivity in the company.

COMPLEX

The discovery of penicillin led to a revolution in medical treatment.

Usage

typically followed by a noun or clause indicating the result.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'cause' (more direct) and 'result in' (more formal); 'lead to' implies a causal relationship over time.

Don't confuse

lead to vs result in — Lead to focuses on the process or path that starts a chain of events, while result in focuses on the final outcome or consequence.

Particles
to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
lead + to + object
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Updated